Senior programme funding officer jobs

Senior Direct Marketing Officer - Acquisition

As Senior Direct Marketing Officer, you will operate with a level of autonomy, build excellent agency relationships and deliver outstanding fundraising campaigns to achieve ambitious income targets. A focus on results will be vital but how these are achieved will also form a large part of the role; considering the non-financial measures of quality in addition to more traditional measures of success.

Working with internal teams and external suppliers, you will deliver direct marketing activity across a range of channels and media. You will lead paid media campaigns that drive donations and prize-led support, implementing the associated programmes and products. You will also deliver large-scale projects that strengthen the long-term success of campaigns, while delivering exceptional fundraising activity to achieve ambitious income targets.

In addition to this, you will be responsible for line managing the Acquisition Direct Marketing Executive who will support the Direct Marketing Acquisition team in achieving their targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign Management

· Plan, manage and deliver our Weekly Lottery and Value Exchange campaigns; ensuring they are in market on time, on budget and on brand across a range of channels and media.

· Manage projects that will improve the long-term success of campaigns.

· Deliver motivational fundraiser training and develop engaging fundraiser materials with agency stakeholders to ensure high-quality fundraising.

· Ensure compliance and adherence to regulation and codes of practice is considered in all campaign activity, for example through fundraiser monitoring and engagement activities.

· Work closely with Data and Digital teams to ensure effective processes are worked to and full campaign evaluation is possible.

· Continuous improvement through test and learn principles across all activity.

· Work collaboratively across the charity to deliver and amplify Individual Giving and wider organisational campaigns, maximising impact and income.

· Development of compelling communications and materials to support all activities.

People management

· Management and development of the Acquisition Direct Marketing Executive.

· Ensure direct report has clear, SMART objectives and a development plan in place.

· Complete routine 1-1 meetings and annual appraisals.

· Ensure direct report has goals and a development plan written up which are routinely reviewed.

· Agency relationship management across a variety of partners and suppliers, from building relationships and negotiating, to routine performance reviews.

Planning and budgeting

· Input to annual planning and development of individual giving campaigns.

· Compilation of detailed income and expenditure campaign budgets.

· Work with Direct Marketing Acquisition Manager (Direct Response) in developing the Acquisition programme and strategy.

· Input to quarterly forecasting and regular reporting across a range of financial and non-financial KPIs.

Finance and reporting

· Ensure daily campaign tracking and reporting.

· Routine end of campaign reviews and analysis.

· Ongoing reporting on long-term success measures, such as attrition and ROI.

· Invoice reconciliation and processing for timely payment.

· Non-financial KPI trend reporting, such as opt-out/in rates and quality scoring.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Reporting and ability to understand complex data sets

· Understanding of compliance in fundraising.

· Campaign management.

· Briefing and working with external suppliers.

· Direct marketing across a range of media and routes to market.

· Copy writing and proof reading.

· Proven track record of meeting or exceeding financial and non-financial targets.

· Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload.

· Focus on results and continuous improvement.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Good written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to communicate with people of all levels.

· Agency management skills.

· Strong team player and self-motivator.

· Flexibility to work some unsocial hours and willingness to travel independently.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £37,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 22nd March 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Job Title: Faith and Communities Engagement Officer (Westminster) 

Hours: 35 per week (full time) 

Location: Home working with regular travel across Westminster to faith and community venues in the borough 

Contract: Fixed term (until September 2027) 

Salary: £40,535 per annum 

About us 

Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. We train and support volunteers to offer various accommodation options while building a network of local support. This includes providing personalised assistance to help individuals access relevant local services and address their other needs. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we implement innovative solutions to tackle housing injustice, enhance the quality of housing, and elevate the voices and experiences of groups affected by housing injustice to both local and national governments. 

About you 

We are looking for someone with a depth of knowledge and experience of the faith and community homelessness sector (existing connections within Westminster would be a benefit). The successful applicant will feel confident to speak to anyone and will proactively seek out opportunities to build partnerships and promote and develop the existing work of the homelessness sector in Westminster.
 
About the role 

The Faith and Communities Engagement Officer role is designed to enhance and strengthen the infrastructure of homelessness services across Westminster by mobilising and supporting faith and community-based initiatives and groups. The intention is to facilitate effective partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector services and promote sustainable, community-led responses to homelessness and rough sleeping. 

Key responsibilities will include engagement and partnership development, capacity building and support, infrastructure and sustainability and advocacy. The role will play a vital part in bridging gaps between grassroots faith and community initiatives and formal homelessness systems, ensuring coordinated and compassionate support for those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. 

Benefits 

• 29 days annual leave, 3 of which are fixed between Christmas and New Year. This is in addition to bank holidays and pro-rata if part time. 

• After 3 years of service you are entitled to one additional day of holiday for each additional year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days, pro-rata if part time. 

• We offer flexible working. Not all posts can be made flexible, but where possible we operate core hours of 10 – 3pm, with employees able to flex their working day around these. Any flexibility is at the discretion of the line manager and relevant senior manager. 

• As this role is offered as Home Working, we will provide some financial support to get you set up with appropriate equipment. 

• We offer an employee assistance programme through Spectrum Life, which can be used by you and your family for a range of advice and support. 

• We offer a cycle-to-work scheme.  

Role: Senior Delivery Manager

Directorate:            Standards

Team:                      Workforce Development

Manager:                Director of Standards

Direct reports: Education Network Manager, High Skills Performance Coach and Curriculum Lead (two colleagues)

Role purpose

The Senior Delivery Manager plays a key role in leading high-quality operational delivery across WorldSkills UK’s workforce development products and services. The postholder will be responsible for contract, project and performance management, ensuring all programmes are delivered efficiently, consistently and to a high standard. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, this role leads operational systems, processes and delivery management to support effective provision for further and higher education and the skills system, raising standards of teaching, learning and assessment.

Key tasks and responsibilities

The postholder will be accountable for ensuring that workforce development programmes and services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and to a high standard, with strong operational oversight and continuous improvement.

Contract and project management

· Lead contract and relationship management with key grant funders, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and timely resolution of delivery issues.

· Ensure timely and accurate reporting, including regular performance updates and financial summaries, to support effective oversight and decision making.

· Maintain strong operational governance by identifying, managing and mitigating risks, and escalating issues appropriately.

· Oversee evaluation activity, ensuring evidence and insights to inform continuous improvement and future programme development.

Operational management

· Oversee data management processes to ensure accurate collection, monitoring and reporting of operational and performance data.

· Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of systems and tools that underpin programme delivery (e.g. CRM, dashboards, workflow).

· Design, refine and maintain operational processes that support high‑quality, efficient delivery and a positive customer experience across all workforce development activities.

Delivery management

· Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of workforce development products and services to ensure they meet agreed project objectives, quality standards and stakeholder requirements.

· Plan and oversee high‑impact events and training delivery, managing the full end‑to‑end customer journey from promotion and delegate engagement, through booking and delivery, to post‑event evaluation. Ensure all activity is scheduled and sequenced effectively around the academic year.

· Manage and support the team of trainers and coaches to deliver high‑quality, consistent and impactful training and engagement activity.

· Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure smooth, timely and cost‑effective delivery of programmes and services.

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Manage, support and motivate allocated staff to successfully deliver agreed activities and tasks.

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity.

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan.

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively.

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability.

Person specification

Key: [E] Essential / [D] Desirable.

Qualifications and experience:

· Experience of operational, project or programme management within education, skills or workforce development [E].

· Experience managing complex projects and multiple stakeholders in publicly funded or grant‑funded environments [E].

· Experience of event management or oversight of outsourced delivery [D].

Knowledge and skills:

· Strong programme and budget management skills [E].

· Ability to lead operational change initiatives and embed new systems and processes [E].

· Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and translate insights into action [E].

· Excellent risk management, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills [E].

· Ability to influence and motivate colleagues and partners, including those working remotely [E].

· Ability to build strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders [E].

Personal qualities and attributes:

· Demonstrates professionalism, reliability and sound judgement [E].

· Organised and methodical, with a structured approach to planning and delivery [E].

· Able to work independently, using sound judgement and initiative, while collaborating effectively with others [E].

· Able to identify practical solutions and improve ways of working [E].

· ideas Adapts positively to changing priorities and ways of working [E].

· Works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals [E].

· Able to motivate and support others to deliver high quality work [E].

Special circumstances:

· Able to work occasionally outside normal hours where required [E].

· Able to travel within the United Kingdom, where required [E].

· Able to undertake occasional overnight stays where required [E].

Summary of terms and conditions

· Permanent.

· The salary for this role is £50,000.

· WorldSkills UK offers a maximum employer’s contribution to your pension of 6% of your basic salary, on the condition that you make an employee contribution to your pension of at least 3%. You may choose to contribute a higher percentage of your salary to your pension, subject to statutory limits.

· Group Death in Service (Life insurance) 3 x annual salary.

· Health Care Cash plan.

· Normal place of work is Third Floor, 52-54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This role is office based (as above) with flexible hybrid working. It is expected the postholder will attend the office at least once or twice a week (a minimum of four days per month).

· Full time working hours are a minimum of 35 hours per week, normal working hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday although we pride ourselves on having a flexible approach to our working practices and service delivery and are happy to discuss flexible working options, with suitable candidates.

· 25 days’ annual leave [which will increase by one additional day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days] plus public and bank holidays.

· The post is subject to six months’ probationary period with two weeks’ notice during the probationary period and one month thereafter.

· The offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

· Salaries are paid monthly by direct transfer on or about 21st of the month.

How to apply

WorldSkills UK is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes and use a blind recruitment approach. Please ensure that you submit your application in Word (curriculum vitae and cover letter) to help us in this process.

We recognise that no candidate is likely to meet every criterion in full. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you can bring relevant skills and experience to the role, we encourage you to apply.

Applications should be by email and must include:

· Curriculum vitae outlining your full career history. Please remove identifying information such as your name, contact details, date of birth, nationality, photographs and links to personal profiles to support our anonymised recruitment process. This includes your name, email address, date of birth, nationality, languages spoken other than English, photographs, and links to personal profiles (e.g. LinkedIn). Applications that contain identifying information in the CV may not be considered.

· Supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the points listed in the role description and person specification. Throughout the recruitment process we will be looking for clear examples and evidence of your experience, knowledge and skills.

· Separate document containing your name, contact details (email and phone number) and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

For the full information on how to apply, read the job pack attached to the advert. 

Interview process and timeline

It is intended that the interview process will have two stages:

· Stage 1 – online via MS Teams. The interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

· Stage 2 – in person. Candidates progressing to the second stage will be invited to attend an in-person interview at our office: Third Floor, 52–54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This stage of the interview process will take place on Wednesday 15 April 2026. Candidates will be asked to complete an interview task as part of this stage of the process, details of which will be provided to those invited to the interview.

Reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates during the recruitment process. For further information please contact our Senior HR Manager, Andreea Ojog.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 17:00. Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Good relationships shape our health and happiness, yet we are taught so little about them. LMK (Let Me Know) is on a mission to change that. We are a young and thriving charity providing education about healthy and unhealthy behaviours so that young people have the knowledge and skills to avoid abuse and thrive in their relationships. We work in schools, community organisations and workplaces across London. 

LMK’s Head of Programmes leads, develops and delivers LMKs high quality education programmes for young people and the trusted adults around them, ensuring our programmes are responsive to the changing experiences of young people and the feedback from our programme evaluation. Leading a passionate and talented team of employees and freelance youth workers, this role is an important ambassadorial role for LMK, bringing gravitas and insight from your experience of education provision to evidence LMK’s impact to fellow education professionals, youth workers, funders and the media. Working with the CEO, and our Youth Advisory Board, this role helps shape the strategic direction for LMK. 

We’re especially keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Strong understanding of RSHE / relationship education

• Senior leadership experience

• Experience in designing and delivering youth-focused education programmes

• Safeguarding expertise (DSL experience highly desirable)

• The ability to inspire, lead and support a diverse team.

Working from home, but with regular travel around London, so must be based in or near London.

Recruitment Timeline
Vacancy closing date: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 11:30 pm
First round interview date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Please see job description for more details.

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Senior Lead - Acquisition and Digital Fundraising, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of our four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – laying the foundation for higher long-term value and stronger ROI across acquisition channels.
2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – recruiting quality donors who have the potential value to feed into legacy and long-term giving goals.
3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital acquisition within a cohesive fundraising strategy

The Senior Lead - Acquisition & Digital Fundraising role is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving acquisition programme. This role is key to driving income growth and expanding our supporter base across multiple channels, including digital, DRTV, dialogue fundraising and print.

You will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of acquisition campaigns, including the onboarding process, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced acquisition fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the multi-channel acquisition strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across direct dialogue, digital, DRTV, and print channels.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of the onboarding process for all new recruits.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing channels and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for acquisition budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, CPA, and long-term value across all acquisition channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short-term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the acquisition programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Deliver and optimise the onboarding and conversion programme for new donors.
• Develop CRO strategies and implement with support from the Communications team, whilst supporting the enhancement of web development
• Ensure consistent campaign integration across touchpoints and maximise thematic/creative cohesion, working in collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager to lead and develop the creative and content strategy for acquisition.
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel acquisition campaigns with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high-performance standards.
• Strong background in digital fundraising and paid media.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on substantial acquisition budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 23rd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Head of Operations

A senior leadership role where your decisions will directly improve young people’s lives.

The Jack Hazeldine Foundation (JHF) is a small, ambitious youth charity with a big mission: to transform the lives of young people through high‑quality 1:1 mentoring, tutoring and personalised support.

We are now seeking a Head of Operations to play a pivotal role in shaping how our charity runs – strengthening our systems, supporting our people, and ensuring we are sustainable, compliant and impact‑driven as we grow.

This is a genuinely senior role, working closely with the CEO and Trustees, where your judgement will be trusted and your impact will be visible every day.

About the role

As Head of Operations, you will lead JHF’s operational strategy and oversee delivery across operations, finance, people, systems, programmes and compliance.

You will line manage a small, committed team and deputise for the CEO when required.

This is a role for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, and who thrives in a small organisation where leadership is visible and change is possible.

Why join JHF?

• A senior leadership role with real influence over how the organisation operates
• The opportunity to shape and improve systems
• Close working relationships with the CEO and Trustees
• A manageable team size that allows for thoughtful, people‑centred leadership
• Clear, visible impact where your work directly supports better outcomes for young people
• A values‑driven culture rooted in integrity, collaboration and ambition for impact
• A supportive organisation that values learning, wellbeing and sustainable ways of working

We have strong operational foundations in place and have been awarded a CAF Resilience Grant to further strengthen our financial and operational sustainability – a key focus for this role.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and implement JHF’s operational strategy alongside the CEO and Trustees
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations across programmes, finance, HR and administration
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting and controls
• Act as senior lead for governance, risk, GDPR and information security
• Own and develop our bespoke database to improve efficiency, reporting and impact measurement
• Provide high‑quality operational insight and data to inform Board decision‑making
• Support programme delivery to balance impact, quality, compliance and sustainability
• Lead and support staff development, wellbeing and inclusive practice

About you

You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally in a charity, youth, education or people‑centred organisation
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting and reporting
• Experience leading small, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Confidence overseeing service delivery, compliance and risk
• Experience owning or leading organisational systems or digital change
• A values‑driven, collaborative approach and strong commitment to safeguarding young people

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement. If you bring relevant experience and a strong commitment to our mission, we would love to hear from you.

#Head of Operations #Operations #Strategic Operations #Head of Operations

Social Finance is an ambitious non-profit that designs, funds and scales solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities. We work with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing society in the UK.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience from the public, private and charity sectors. We are known for our collaborative and intellectually curious culture and for delivering systems change, improving how entire systems operate so they produce better, lasting outcomes.

One of our most significant initiatives is IPS Grow, which supports the national expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across England. IPS is an evidence-based approach that helps people experiencing severe mental illness, addiction and other health challenges find and sustain competitive employment with tailored support.

IPS Grow works with commissioners, healthcare providers and delivery partners to expand high-quality IPS services, improve quality and learning across the system, and ensure the data and evidence behind IPS continue to demonstrate its impact. Scaling IPS has been a priority for Social Finance since 2015 and continues to be an integral part of our work today.

With IPS Grow transitioning from a fast‑growing initiative to a mature organisation with expanding reach and influence, we are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the IPS Grow and Social Finance Senior Leadership Team.

The COO will provide strategic leadership across IPS Grow’s operational infrastructure, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes and capabilities required to deliver impact at scale. You will strengthen financial oversight, resource planning and risk management while helping develop IPS Grow’s data and digital capability. The role will also help shape the organisational structures and culture needed to support sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior operational leader with experience in finance and the non-profit or publicly funded sectors, ideally with a track record of helping organisations scale. You will bring strong financial literacy, sound strategic judgement and the ability to build effective operational frameworks in complex environments.

You will be a collaborative partner across IPS Grow and the wider Social Finance organisation, building trusted relationships, bringing clarity to operational challenges and fostering a strong “one team” culture across a distributed team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of IPS Grow’s development. If this resonates with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter responding to the following questions:

1. What is motivating you to become our new Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
2. Given what you have read about us so far, what do you believe would make an effective Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
3. Please describe your experience ensuring an organisation had the right systems, processes or capabilities in place to use data effectively. What was your role and what difference did this make? (250 words)
4. Please tell us about a time when you built strong partnerships across teams or organisations to deliver a shared goal. What approach did you take and what was the outcome? (250 words)

Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.

We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme. 

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.

About the role

• Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
• The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve. 
• You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
• Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
• Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for budget, risk and line management. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
• A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
• Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.

Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.

What you will gain

• The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
• Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
• Flexibility in how and where you work. 

How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
2. Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications. 
3. Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. 
   1. Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
4. Upload your completed application form as a word document. 
   1. Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
5. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.

Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

Partnerships Officer (Programme Officer)

Aga Khan Foundation

The position

AKF(UK) Partnerships Officers are part of the Global Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Partnerships team tasked with identifying funding partnerships and strengthening existing ones to support our strategic goals. Partnerships Officers manage a set of grants across a variety of themes and geographies. They also support engagement with European and Asian bilaterals, multilaterals and foundations to secure funding for ten multi-sector not-for-profit and for-profit agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) operating across Asia and Africa. This is all done in close collaboration with field units, global teams, and our partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Grants Management

• Manage a portfolio of grants through regular interface and coordination with AKF(UK)’s partnerships team, AKF(UK)’s programme finance team and relevant AKF/AKDN field units/agencies acting as a central resource for field units in donor best practice.
• Interface with donors about the implementation of ongoing grants to ensure strong, enduring relationships.
• Coordinate, review, and assure the quality of donor deliverables (e.g. work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans, staffing plans, budgets, close-out plans, donor troubleshooting).
• Ensure adherence with donor requirements, rules, and regulations, and that grant deliverables are produced on time and to a high standard.
• Coordinate contractual amendments, changes, and project adaptations, engage with donors in a pro-active and diplomatic way, and flag potential changes (e.g. budget revisions, extensions, risks) in advance to ‘trouble shoot’ and ensure smooth project implementation.
• Facilitate grant monitoring efforts including routine coordination meetings and as needed, support with donor steering committees, donor project visits, and donor monitoring missions.
• Undertake coordination and administrative tasks related to grants and support the maintenance and update of grant management tools and tracking systems (e.g. Award Information Management System (AIMS)).
• Ensure strong relationship cultivation throughout the grants cycle, anticipate, and plan for future funding and project extensions.

Resource Mobilisation

• Coordinate and facilitate the development, review and quality assurance of expressions of interest, concept notes, and full proposals for funding opportunities.
• Liaise and coordinate with internal stakeholders as well as with donors, partners, and consortia to facilitate project design, align proposal and donor requirements, gather required legal and administrative documentation, and draft sections of proposals as needed.

Coordinate processes of contracting and negotiation, engaging relevant stakeholders, and ensuring contracts ‘get over the line’ in a timely and efficient way.

• Conduct due diligence of new partners (donors, NGOs, universities, etc.) in coordination with AKF(UK)’s programme finance team and AKF’s global programmes team.

• Develop and contribute to positioning pieces and communication materials (e.g., presentations, narrative overviews) to enable regular and effective engagement with donors.
• Research, scan and source relevant information regarding new donors and funding opportunities to identify potential funding matches and gather intelligence around European and Asian donors.
• Update donor profiles, researching and summarising latest donor strategies and using AIMS to update AKF/AKDN funding summaries. 
• Contribute to management systems, such as AIMS.

Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Senior Partnerships Manager, Deputy Regional Directors or Global Deputy Director for Institutional Partnerships.
 

The requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, BEHAVIOURS, ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree essential
• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred

Skills

• Strong level of fluency in French is highly desirable
• Creativity, critical thinking, and project management
• Entrepreneurial, pro-active self-starter with maturity and emotional intelligence
• Ability to problem-solve, work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with numerous and competing deadlines
• Ability to handle complex relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders in a professional manner
• Excellent writing, speaking and other communications skills, with thoroughness and attention to detail
• Ability to provide stable, consistent, reliable and courteous communication when dealing with external organisations, senior colleagues and community members
• Strong financial literacy, including the ability to read and produce detailed budgets and business plans
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce
• French language skills desirable, but not essential
• Proficiency in French language desirable

Knowledge

• Understanding and knowledge of the UK/European and Asian donor landscape preferred
• Knowledge of and commitment to international development

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience
• Experience in developing and writing proposals, developing budgets, business plans/cases, concept papers, briefs, executive summaries, as well as coordinating multiple inputs from a variety of sources
• Experience of managing relationships in complex organisations with numerous stakeholders
• Experience managing grants in complex organisations desirable

Attributes

• Committed to international development, improving the quality of life, and promoting pluralism through civil society.
• Demonstrates equity, transparency, and integrity with high personal and organisational ethical standards; is fair, honest, and trustworthy with respect for confidentiality; inspires and builds trust and respect from others; promotes credibility and professional reputation.

Behaviours

• Communicates clearly and concisely with a broad range of audiences at different levels; ability to expresses complex ideas and concepts in simple terms; listens to the views of others; changes communication styles to meet individual and audience needs; encourages dialogue and effective communication by others.
• Builds, maintains, and deepens constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders with a specific focus on AKF’s mission; balances business situations and the art of dealing with people and communities; changes approach to achieve desired results if required.
• Has a customer focused orientation to others, is flexible and always puts the good of others at the centre of decision making; optimises respect for others and is dedicated to AKF’s purpose and fulfilling the mission.
• Acknowledges creativity, has the desire to understand and use new innovations (including technology); adapts established methods for new uses; is focused on improving systems and processes; open to change; analyses, synthesises and challenges conventional thinking; supports the development of communities of practice.

FURTHER DETAILS

• The role will involve travel to countries where we operate programmes, and where the candidate is supporting grants management.
• As well as a rewarding role with a global international development organisation, you’ll get access to a wide range of enhanced benefits including but not limited to flexible hybrid working, enhanced leave entitlement and access to several health and wellbeing programmes and benefits.
• Must include CV and a supporting statement that outlines why you want the role, why you want to work for AKF(UK) and how your experiences and skills to date make you the most suitable applicant for the role.

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

The Aga Khan Foundation is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life.

Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society and business as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together.

Job Expires: 25-Mar-2026

Role purpose

You are responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating the Sector Connected Leaders Programme which is a new scheme and in a pilot stage. The role combines project management, stakeholder coordination and delivery of high-quality events and learning activity across the UK nuclear sector. You hold day-to-day accountability for delivery, budget control and reporting.

Job Description and Job Specification

Job title: Project and Events Lead, Sector Connected Leaders Programme
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months, with the possibility of extension or transition to a permanent role, subject to funding and performance
Working pattern: 0.5 FTE, 17.5 hours a week. Flexibility on the working days / hours
Salary: £15,000 - £17,000 per annum (0.5 FTE, £30,000 - £34,000 FTE equivalent)
Annual leave entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays, pro rata.  At 0.5 FTE this equates to 12.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, calculated on a pro rata basis in line with NI policy.
Location: Wholly remote, UK based, with regular travel
Reporting to: CEO

Key Tasks

Programme and project delivery

• Plan and manage the end-to-end delivery of the 12-month pilot programme.
• Develop and maintain a delivery plan, milestones, risks and mitigations.
• Manage delivery within the approved budget.

Events and learning delivery

• Design and deliver a structured programme of in person events, webinars, workshops and site visits.
• Coordinate venues, logistics, suppliers and facilitators.

Stakeholder management

• Act as the primary liaison with the organisations from whom scheme participants will be recruited, including both Government departments and nuclear industry.
• Build effective relationships with sponsors, facilitators and participating organisations.
• Support organisations to endorse and release participants.

Participant management and communications

• Manage participant recruitment, onboarding and ongoing communications.
• Ensure a high-quality participant experience throughout the programme.
• Promote the programme through NI communications, events and conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Define and track KPIs including participation, satisfaction, diversity and outcomes.
• Produce progress updates and a final evaluation report for NI leadership and the Board.
• Capture learning to inform a sustainable Year 2 delivery model.

Governance and representation

• Support steering group meetings and prepare clear papers and updates.
• Represent NI and the programme at sector events when required.
• Ensure alignment with NI membership, CPD and nuclear professionalism standards.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven experience in project or programme management.
• Experience delivering events, both in person and virtual.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and delivery schedules.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across organisations.
• Experience supporting learning, development or leadership programmes.

Essential skills and knowledge

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a small team environment.
• Practical understanding of adult learning or blended learning delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in a pilot or evolving programme.

Essential behaviours

• Takes ownership and accountability for delivery.
• Works collaboratively across industry and government.
• Demonstrates an inclusive approach to working.
• Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders with credibility.

Desirable experience

• Experience of working with event management systems and applications.
• Experience working in or with the nuclear, energy, engineering or infrastructure sectors.
• Knowledge of professional bodies, CPD frameworks or membership models.
• Experience commissioning or coordinating external facilitators or coaches.

Working requirements

• Ability to travel within the UK for a few events and site visits as required.
• Availability to work three days per week over a 12-month fixed term.

Flexibility and accessibility

We offer flexible hours and remote working options to accommodate individual needs. This role is wholly remote and can be carried out anywhere in the UK, with monthly travel to London for team meetings.

Support is available for remote workers who require specific adjustments, including ergonomic equipment or assistive technologies.

Commitment to inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the nuclear sector.

Our recruitment process is fair and accessible. Reasonable adjustments are available at any stage. If you require adjustments, please contact us so we can support you.

The Nuclear Institute is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing positive and supportive working conditions.

Informal discussion

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Robert Gofton, CEO
 

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

We’re looking for an ambitious and energetic Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer to join our small but mighty Partnerships and Philanthropy fundraising team. The team is made up of eight fundraisers focusing on securing high-value gifts with big impact, both from companies and from trusts and foundations.

Our perfect candidate will have experience in account management and/or new business, either within the charity or corporate sectors. We’re looking for someone with the confidence in securing, growing and managing a diverse fundraising portfolio. We want you to manage and land win-win partnerships that will make the biggest difference.

You’ll be a proactive self-starter with creative flair who has strong attention to detail and excellent account management, relationship building, pitching and writing skills. Success in the role will be measured through income targets, partnership satisfaction and engagement levels, renewal rates and contribution to long-term strategic goals.

In this job, you’ll work closely with the Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager and wider corporate partnerships team to deliver excellent account management and driving renewals and growth, by providing our partners with an inspiring supporter experience. You’ll also have a new business target, to seek and secure innovative new partnerships with high-value companies. Your portfolio may include Charity-of-the-Year collaborations, nationwide campaign-based partnerships, multi-year partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, sponsorship and Cause Related Marketing (CRM) opportunities.

You'll be joining us on our ambitious and exciting journey, to win more of and grow our strategic, high-value partnerships. You’ll be instrumental in helping our team to reach our ambitious fundraising targets and ultimately improve the lives of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

This position is offered on a full-time basis, though we welcome applications from candidates interested in working 3–4 days per week

This is a really exciting time to lead on Service Design at UK Youth. The Government’s recently-launched National Youth Strategy represents a shift in youth work’s recognition. UK Youth is about to launch its own new Strategy and we have big ambitions for the coming year – in this crucial leadership role, you’ll drive forward our ambition to design, test and scale the very best solutions to the challenges faced by young people and the professionals supporting them. 

UK Youth’s Impact Function has grown over the last year – we’re investing in the power of evidence, human-centred design and influential storytelling to improve the equity and effectiveness of youth work. Join us and help build a society that backs every young person – through each spark, struggle, and success.​

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development initiatives, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 25th March 2026 at 23:59pm (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: 1st and 2nd April (In person at our London Office)

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Programmes to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our fast-growing Martingale Scholarship Programme.

As Head of Programmes, you will join our senior management team, overseeing the growing programmes team. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspects of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme from application to alumni, ensuring that the programme maintains a strong reputation for being both supportive and prestigious.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that as we expand across STEM the programme remains of a high quality and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s programmes are impactful, data informed and meet the needs of the scholars we are supporting. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with various external stakeholders including universities, funders and evaluation partners.

We are looking for a strong strategic leader with extensive programme experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Programmes will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of the Scholarship Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of the end-to-end Martingale Scholarship lifecycle, from selection and admissions through to scholar progression and alumni outcomes.
• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for Martingale’s Development Programme (MDP), ensuring scalability, academic excellence, and alignment with organisational growth plans.
• Continuously refine the scholar journey to ensure it is sector-leading, prestigious, and tailored to the needs of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Build deep expertise in postgraduate education, research culture, and enabling access to inform programme evolution and innovation.

Admissions & Selection Strategy

• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, fair, and high-quality admissions and assessment process across subject areas.
• Oversee shortlisting, interview frameworks, assessment centres, and final scholarship recommendations to the Selection Committee.
• Ensure alignment between Martingale’s selection processes and university partner requirements.
• Maintain oversight of scholar allocation, including place management, deferrals, intermissions, withdrawals, and reallocations.

Scholar Experience & Case Management

• Ensure effective advocacy for Scholars including maximising progression and retention across cohorts.
• Oversee complex scholar casework, including deferrals, intermissions, safeguarding concerns, funding queries, disciplinary action and university liaison.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and high-touch support across the scholar lifecycle.
• Strengthen cohort cohesion and long-term alumni engagement.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Martingale, ensuring safeguarding policy implementation and record keeping in line with best practice in relation to vulnerable adults.
• Oversee data protection compliance relating to scholar and applicant data, in partnership with the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure programme delivery complies with charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Budget, Contracting & Financial Oversight

• Hold responsibility for programme budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and value for money.
• Oversee scholarship programme financial management, and work with Head of Strategy and Operations on onwards grants including deferrals, funding adjustments, and invoicing.
• Work with the Head of Strategy and Operations on university contracting, scholarship agreements, and financial reconciliation with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and reporting processes across programme operations.

University & Sector Partnerships (Programme-Focused)

• Lead programme-level relationships with university partners, including Heads of Departments, Graduate Tutors, CDT leads, and admissions teams.
• Ensure universities meet partnership commitments and that Scholars are appropriately supported institutionally.
• Contribute to partnership negotiations where programme design or operational delivery is concerned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen university research culture and scholar support mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Lead development and oversight of Martingale’s Theory of Change and evaluation framework, working with our external independent evaluators.
• Develop robust systems to track scholar progression, outcomes, and programme effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality reporting to the CEO, Board, funders, and partners, evidencing impact and continuous improvement.

New Programme Development & Innovation

• Work with the CEO to design new subject expansions, pilots, or initiatives aligned to Martingale’s mission.
• Assess operational, financial, and reputational implications of programme growth.
• Develop business cases, delivery models, and implementation plans for expansion.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide senior leadership to the Programmes team, including line management of programme staff.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven team with clear accountability and ownership.
• Develop succession planning and team capability as Martingale scales.
• Model Martingale’s values of excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful support.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and governance.
• Represent Martingale externally in academic, sector, and policy contexts where appropriate.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to programme performance and scholar outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Significant experience leading and delivering high-quality programmes, ideally in higher education, research, scholarships, or a mission-driven organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with evidence of working effectively with universities, academics, funders, or equivalent partners.
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to develop and lead a high-performing team.
• Experience managing complex operational delivery, including planning, timelines, and coordinating multiple moving parts.
• Strong experience handling sensitive casework and providing professional support to individuals.
• Budget management experience, including planning and overseeing programme delivery costs.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing clear reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and compliance, with willingness to act as safeguarding lead.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with postgraduate research, PhD programmes, or doctoral training environments.
• Experience designing or overseeing selection and assessment processes (e.g. interviews, admissions, recruitment pipelines).
• Experience managing programme evaluation frameworks, including Theory of Change and external evaluators.
• Familiarity with contracting, invoicing, and operational finance processes.
• Knowledge of UK higher education systems and research culture.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up, or fast-growing charity.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong judgement, discretion and professionalism, including ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.